Faster VW Beetles announced

Volkswagen is adding two 2.0-litre engines to the top end of its Beetle line-up - one petrol and one diesel.

The 197bhp turbocharged petrol engine gets the Beetle to 62mph in just 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 139mph. It's the fastest Beetle currently available.

It is available with both a six-speed manual gearbox, and a six-speed auto DSG unit. The official fuel economy works out at 38.2mpg on the manual, and 36.7mpg on the auto.

The model of more interest to company drivers and those prioritising fuel economy is the 2.0-litre TDI. This 138bhp model does an official average of 57.6mpg with the manual gearbox, and 52.3mpg when paired with the DSG unit.

The two engines sit at the top of the Beetle range, so specification is high. The diesel comes in Design or Sport trims, while the petrol is offered in Sport or special-edition Turbo Black and Turbo Silver specs.